Overview

• Expo 2025 officially opened on April 13 on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka, featuring cutting-edge technologies and a global showcase of 160 nations.
• The event's centerpiece, the 'Grand Anneau,' is the world's largest wooden structure, symbolizing international unity and architectural innovation.
• Critics have raised concerns about the reliance on virtual immersive experiences, which some find underwhelming and lacking substance.
• Significant privacy issues have emerged due to extensive biometric and personal data collection through event applications and pavilion features.
• Ticket pre-sales have fallen short of expectations, reflecting tepid local interest despite government projections of substantial economic benefits.